[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 159 (Monday, September 29, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S6829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO FLOYD BRANTLEY

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise to honor 100 years of one 
Arkansan's life and service as a living testament of the sacrifice and 
character embodied by our ``Greatest Generation.'' Floyd Brantley is a 
beloved resident of Conway, AR, and I am honored to extend a birthday 
greeting that celebrates this milestone.
  Mr. Brantley's military career spans decades and three wars. He first 
answered the call to serve in the Navy as a highschooler. His brother, 
while serving on the U.S.S. Atlanta, made the ultimate sacrifice at the 
Battle of Guadalcanal, the first major Allied attack against Japan in 
World War II. Leaving high school to enlist, Brantley first served as a 
medic at a fleet hospital in the Pacific Theater. My office was honored 
to interview him for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project 
in 2016. During that visit, he recounted the horrors of war he saw 
every day in that hospital, but also his lifelong devotion to our 
Nation and the cause of freedom.
  When WWII ended, Brantley returned to the United States determined to 
finish his education. He re-enrolled in high school at the age of 20 
and went on to study at Baylor University. Still driven by an 
unwavering patriotism, he found himself called back to the service 
during his time at Baylor and worked with Air Force officials on campus 
until he enlisted with the Air Force after graduation. As an airman, he 
fought in the Korean war and eventually earned the rank of captain.
  Even after two Active-Duty wartime experiences, Brantley never lost 
his devotion to our Nation and passion to serve. At the age of 50, he 
joined the Air National Guard as a cook. When the Vietnam war started, 
he attempted to serve overseas again but the service would not allow 
him due to his age.
  Over the years, I have been fortunate to visit with Mr. Brantley, 
most recently on his visit to Washington for Memorial Day. It is an 
honor to watch him continue to thrive and inspire others, including 
bright young students at the University of Central Arkansas where he 
regularly visits campus to encourage our next generation of leaders to 
understand and appreciate the Pledge of Allegiance. He was also 
appointed to a 3-year term on the Arkansas Veterans' Commission by 
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. That term expires October 2026, when 
he will be 101 years old.
  Floyd Brantley is a true American hero. His life is a powerful 
example of service, resilience, and love of country. As the city of 
Conway and the State of Arkansas celebrate his 100th birthday, I want 
to share my sincere congratulations and gratitude for his tremendous 
spirit, resilience, and patriotism.

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